So, you’re ready to watch one of the greatest television shows ever made and would like to watch it chronologically? Well, we got you covered. Ever since the release of Better Call Saul, fans have been divided on this topic. One side quickly made up a chronological order of events, while the other side of the fandom clamors for the show to be watched as it is. So, what is the best way to watch this meth-fueled adventure series? Or is there even a right way per see?
Breaking Bad is an American crime drama that revolves around the life of a brilliant chemistry teacher, Walter White, who is underpaid and depressed. However, when reality crashes down on Walter in the form of stage three lung cancer, he must choose between morality and his family’s financial stability. And hence begins Walter’s dark adventure into the mafia, where he transforms from your typical suburban middle-aged teacher to one of the most notorious drug kingpins of all time. If watching shootouts and organized crime is your thing, let us guide you through the dark alley of Breaking Bad and towards the latest installment of the franchise, Better Call Saul.
Breaking Bad Recap
Walter White was an overall great guy. He’s your everyday family man, a loving father, and a faithful husband; or so he chooses to portray. Walter has a side that he hides from his family and friends. An unorthodox side that occasionally takes him on standoffs with cartels and prompts the high school teacher to blow-up offices.
You see, Walter was a decent, honest citizen for most of his life. However, after it’s discovered that he has advanced lung cancer, a switch flips inside his head. With nothing left to lose, Walter decides to lock horns with fate and leave some financial security for his family after his departure. So, he does what any sane man would do: he starts cooking meth with his former student.
Throughout the series, Walter is portrayed as an anti-hero. He is a flawed character painted with strokes of black and white and, along the way, reminds us of characters like Tony Soprano and Jamie Lannister. However, as the stakes begin to pit against him, he strays further from the path of the righteous man and inadvertently becomes the person he despises. Can Walter redeem himself? Or is it too little too late for this Gary Cooper-esque strong, silent man?
Breaking Bad Watching Order
Though there are multiple methods suggested by the Fandom, Reddit, fans of Breaking Bad, fans of Better Call Saul, and fans of both, ultimately the series and spinoffs can be best viewed in the following order:
- Breaking Bad in chronological order
- Better Call Saul
- El Camino
This is the order in which the series was originally rolled out, and for the optimum overall experience, it’s encouraged to watch the show in this order. However, if you’re looking for chronological watching, the fandom recommends the following:
- Better Call Saul
- Breaking Bad
- El Camino
These are the only two ways you should be watching this and we implore you to stick with it. Otherwise, you could come up with awkward questions halfway through El Camino and it could leave an overall bad taste in your mouth.
Read More: Is Breaking Bad Leaving Netflix? Still A Long Time Away
Connection With Better Call Saul
The events of Better Call Saul transpire before the events of Breaking Bad. Though Better Call Saul is meant to be a sequel to the Breaking Bad franchise, it is generally accepted to be the series’ canon. Better Call Saul follows the life of Jimmy McGill, a struggling working-class lawyer. However, due to unprecedented events and hard luck, the hardworking man turns into Saul Goodman and enters the world of organized crime and the drug mafia.
Better Call Saul debuted in 2015 and ran until August 15, 2022. The series received critical acclaim and was praised for its acting, writing, cinematography, and well-developed characters; critics worldwide called the show an excellent and worthy successor to Breaking Bad, and the series was nominated for multiple awards. Better Caul Saul wrapped up very recently, and if you’re still riding high after watching it, we encourage you to take a look at another organized crime drama. One that paved the way for all the series that came after it: The Sopranos.
Read More: How To Watch The Sopranos? Streaming Guide
